Lisbon Airport (Humberto Delgado Airport) is only about 7 km from central Lisbon. For most travelers, the metro is the cheapest and most predictable option; a taxi or ride-hailing service is easier with heavy luggage or for late-night arrivals.
Metro: best overall option
The airport has its own station, Aeroporto, on the Red Line. Follow the “Metro” signs from the arrivals area.
For the main tourist center—Rossio, Baixa, or Chiado:
- Take the Red Line from Aeroporto toward São Sebastião.
- Change at Alameda to the Green Line toward Cais do Sodré.
- Exit at:
- Rossio for Rossio Square and the northern part of Baixa
- Baixa-Chiado for central Baixa and Chiado
The journey usually takes 30–40 minutes, depending on your destination and transfer time. Metro service generally runs from approximately 6:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
A single journey costs roughly €2, plus a small charge if you need a reusable transit card. Contactless bank-card payment may also be available at the gates. Keep your ticket or card until you leave the system.
Important: Lisbon’s center has steep hills, cobblestones, and stairs. Check the walking route from your final metro station if you have large luggage.
Taxi: easiest door-to-door choice
Official taxis wait outside arrivals. A ride to central Lisbon commonly takes 15–30 minutes and costs approximately €12–€25, depending on traffic, destination, time of day, luggage, and applicable supplements.
Make sure the driver uses the meter. Having your hotel’s address written down is useful, especially if it is on a small street that vehicles cannot directly access.
Uber, Bolt, and similar services
Ride-hailing apps operate at Lisbon Airport and often cost about the same as—or slightly less than—a taxi. The airport uses designated pickup areas, which may be in a nearby parking structure rather than directly outside arrivals. Follow the app’s instructions and airport signage carefully.
This option works well for groups, since splitting the fare can make it competitive with public transportation.
Public bus
Regular Carris city buses serve the airport, but they are generally less convenient than the metro and may restrict oversized luggage. They can still be useful if your accommodation is directly along a bus route. A night bus may operate when the metro is closed, but schedules should be checked for the day of travel.
Quick recommendation
- Baixa, Rossio, or Chiado: Metro via Alameda
- Saldanha: Direct Red Line metro
- Heavy luggage, children, or several travelers: Taxi or ride-hailing
- Arrival after about 1:00 a.m.: Taxi, ride-hailing, or night bus
- Typical travel time: 20–40 minutes, depending on traffic and destination
Allow extra time during weekday rush hours, when road traffic can make taxis slower than the metro.